Structural Integration (SI) is a unique type of bodywork that releases restriction in the connective tissue, or fascia, that locks a body into a dysfunctional or compensatory posture that restricts movement, and/or stresses and degenerates tissue.

The goal is to balance and harmonize how the body works as a whole, rather than "fixing" any one part. It a process that aims to improve the body's relationship with gravity and is performed in a series of sessions that build on each previous session allowing for deeper work and more lasting results.

Because SI addresses the root issue of movement dysfunction, a horse’s postural alignment, it is a tremendous benefit to addressing lateral dominance and crookedness in your horse.

No, massage focuses on relaxing muscles, increasing circulation, and clearing toxins. Uniquely, Structural Integration focuses on lengthening the connective tissue, or fascia, the fabric that will lock a body into a dysfunctional posture and pull muscles and bones out of alignment in the first place. It works very well with, and at times can replace other modalities.

Sessions generally run 75-90 minutes and begins with a thorough movement analysis and whole body palpation developed by Dr. Kerry Ridgway as an assesment protocol for his point system related to fascial patterning — an effective, objective measure to gauge reactivity and restriction. You may be asked to walk or trot your horse on a straight line before the hands-on work begins to assess the unique movement pattern or your horse as it relates to tension or restriction.

In each session, the practitioner uses her hands to work the layers of connective tissue to both elongate the fascia and create movement in key junctions in the horse’s body. Every horse is different, and so are their needs, and each session will be different to meet them where they are in that moment. Detailed session notes are compiled and shared with the client.

To best set your horse up for success, and everyone involved, please have your horse caught and in a quiet location or stall, free from distractions. Keep any companion horse nearby, if possible, if your horse gets stressed without them. Remove feed from the area, it detracts the horse’s ability to connect with the work. If you are riding or working your horse, allow at least 30 minutes for him to cool down before the session begins. His coat should be dry and brushed so that he is not muddy and his feet picked.

After a session, it’s best to give your horse an opportunity for turn out, or 5-10 minutes of hand walking, and the rest of the day off from work to process the work through his nervous system.

Every horse has a pattern of restriction that can be improved or changed. This work can also be beneficial as part of a rehab program.

SI addresses the issue of laterality, innate in each and every horse, and beneficial to all horses since all horses suffer from lateral dominance.

Even after the first session, as superficial tension patterns clear, changes can be seen. The work is progressive so that the compensations are resolved as the horse integrates new postural alignment.

Many times imbalances come from deep holding pattterns and restrictions that cannot be resolved in a single session. A single session will certainly help, and the practitioner would be happy to do a single session particularly where an owner would prefer to see how the horse responds prior to committing to a series, but bear in mind the work is designed as a series to realize the full benefit.

Not at all. Bodywork serves as a benefit to relax and release tension to help our horses to maintain suppleness, recover from work quickly, minimize the potential for injury, and improve their state of mind.

Structural Integration can be complementary for injured horses to accelerate healing and assist in their recovery. It can be a tremendous benefit for horses on stall rest to ease their state of mind. Generally, it is best to wait if there is an acute injury or a seeping type wound. In all cases of injury, confirm with your veterinarian prior to booking.

The process of releasing tension from your horse’s system can be a little like peeling the layers of an onion. In the beginning it may best serve your horse to be seen every 1-2 weeks, and as time goes on to put more time between sessions for your horse to integrate the changes. Some horses, however, because of the nature of their work or due to chronic issues may require bodywork more frequently ongoing. It all depends on what works best for you and your horse in your unique situation.

Aligned Spirithorse currently serves the Southern Oregon area (Ashland, Talent, Medford, Central Point). If you are out of the service area, please send us a message to discuss. We would love to figure out a way to work with you and support you and your horse. <3

With regular bodywork, your horse can:

• Move more freely, with better range of motion

• Achieve smooter, more fluid strides and lead changes

• Relieve stiffness and improve crookedness/ lateral dominance

• Feel more comfortable and relaxed under saddle

• Maintain soundness and peak performance